Versus AC CORLEONE, 02/05/07

Key tonight is the refusal to allow complacency to set in after the excellent performance last week, especially as we’re facing the bottom side.

Positive:
'Keeper position is strengthened with Bandage’s return.

Negative:
We’re without 3 good players in smelly, fats and Jugs.

We need to start fast, impose ourselves on them and get the early goals that’ll see their heads drop. Once that happens we can’t ease off, instead we need to maintain the drive and tempo and give them a proper hiding. Goal difference could be crucial at the end of the season.

As an aside there was a lot of talk about farmer’s long kick-outs from the hand last week. I was always a follower of the Mickey Harte (Tyrone manager not singer) school of thought who firmly believes there’s no point launching a long 50/50 ball and risk losing possession when the short, sharp pass that ensures you retain the ball is on, especially in 6-a-side with a tight pitch. I don’t know what the rest of you think; many of you seemed very positive about it. I’m not sacrificing my passing principles for anyone but I will add a long kick-out, if it’s viable, to my locker. Note: It’s up to you cooonts to give me options in this respect and also, I’m staying true to my beliefs and my first instinct will forever be the pass to feet. hi5

I think you’ve touched on most of the issues there Bandage. One positive that you didn’t mention is that Ronan and Colly will be pulling on the famous green shirt for the first time. There’s always the possibility that they will be overawed by the occasion but I think that’s unlikely with the strong personalities in the squad.

It’s crucial to build on last week’s performance and really put in a serious effort tonight. Personally I’ll be happy with a clean sheet because we’ve goals in this team with Clarkey - first half anyway.